Before heading out to a Park District of Highland Park facility on July 4, be sure to check our hours listed below. Learn about Highland Park Independence events here.
| Facility | Thursday, July 3 | Friday, July 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Centennial Ice Arena | Closed | Closed |
| Deer Creek Racquet Club | 8am-3pm | Closed |
| Heller Nature Center | Building Closed Trails: 7:30am to Dusk | Building Closed Trails: 7:30am to Dusk |
| Hidden Creek AquaPark | Lap Swim: 5:30-11am Open Swim: 11am-8pm | Lap Swim: 5:30-10am Open Swim: 10am-5pm |
| Highland Park Golf Learning Center | 8am-7pm | 8am-7pm |
| Recreation Center of Highland Park | Facility: 8am-3pm Indoor Pool: 8am-2:30pm | Closed |
| River's Edge Mini Golf | 8am-7pm | 8am-9pm |
| Rosewood Beach | 10am-6pm | 10am-6pm |
| Sunset Valley Golf Club | 6am-8pm (weather permitting) | 6am-8pm (weather permitting) |
| West Ridge Center | 8am-5pm | Closed |
Staff provided a purchase recommendation to replace wireless access point equipment.
Staff provided a programming, and operations update for Club Pickle and Padel, highlighting the membership and permanent court time options. Staff also compared budgeted programming revenues and expenses with estimated figures for the fall of 2025.
Staff reviewed the two bids for the pickleball court divider and enclosure system purchase and installation. Staff recommended rejecting both bids and requested the Park Board allow the Executive Director to enter into a Sole Source Purchase Agreement instead.
Staff reviewed the natural gas bids and provided contract recommendations.
The Park Board approved to reject the 2025 Pickleball Court Divider and Enclosure System Purchase and Installation Bids, to ratify the 2024 Club Pickel and Padel Change Order No. 9, to approve Resolution 2025-07 Authorizing a Sole Source Contract for Procurement of InfinityGlass Pickleball Court Divider and Enclosure System, to approve the Interstate Gas Supply, LLC Commercial Gas Sales Agreement for Natural Gas bid via Alternative Utility Services, Inc. (AUS Energy), to approve the Mansfield Power and Gas, LLC Master Commercial Gas Sales Agreement for Natural Gas bid via Alternative Utility Services, Inc. (AUS Energy), to approve the Wireless Access Point Agreement, to approve the Settlement Agreement with I.B. Storey.
The Park Board of Commissioners adopted the Beach and Boating Safety Week Proclamation declaring May 17 – 23, 2025 as Highland Park Beach and Boasting Safety Week.
The Park Board of Commissioners approved Resolution 2025-06 A Declaration Honoring Brian Kaplan for his Contributions to the Park District of Highland Park While Serving as a Park Board Commissioner from May 2011 through June 2024, Resolution 2025-05 – A Declaration Honoring Barnett Ruttenberg for his Contributions to the Park District of Highland Park While Serving as a Park Board Commissioner from May 2013 through May 2025, and 2025-04 – A Declaration Honoring Calvin Bernstein for his Contributions to the Park District of Highland Park While Serving as a Park Board Commissioner from May 2007 through May 2025.
During excavation for the new recreation facility at West Ridge Park, soil testing was completed, and it was recommended to install waterproofing and additional drainage to avoid pooling in the gymnastics foam pit. Staff reviewed the total change to the contract for this work.
Staff reviewed the bid results and provided contract recommendations for the 2025 Larry Fink Batting Cage and the 2025. The Recreation Center of Highland Park Landscape Installation bid was awarded a contract to Autus Group, LLC dba Property First by the Park Board on April 23, 2025. The contractor is not proceeding with the project, so staff recommended the second lowest bidder who had favorable references and the Park District has worked with in the past, Langton Group.
Commissioner Grossberg was elected for President of the Park Board and Commissioner Freeman was elected for Vice President.
Executive Director Romes was appointed as Secretary to the Park Board, Coordinator Hejnowski was appointed as Assistant Secretary acting under the general supervisor of the Secretary, Director Peters was appointed as Treasurer, Director Hall was appointed as the District’s IMRF authorized agent, Executive Director Romes, Director Hall, and Coordinator Hejnowski were appointed as Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Officers, Executive Director Romes and Coordinator Hejnowski were appointed as Open Meetings Act (OMA) Officers, Executive Director Romes was appointed as the American With Disabilities Act Coordinator (ADA), Sikich, LLP was appointed as the District’s auditor, and Ancel Glink was appointed as the District’s attorney.
Fitness Manager, Jodi DiTomasso, received a Resolution Honoring her for performing lifesaving CPR to a patron at the Recreation Center of Highland Park.
The Park Board approved the 2025 Larry Fink Park Batting Cage, the 2025 Recreation Center of Highland Park Parking Lot Landscape Installation, Ordinance 2025-07- Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property, the Ratification of PCCO #8: Waterproofing/Drainage at Pits in Gymnasium, New Recreation Facility at West Ridge Park and the New Restaurant License Agreement for Sunset Valley Golf Club.
The Park District is currently in the engagement phase of the three-phased approach to update the Masterplan. The Lakota Group has been hosting community focus groups and taking public input online and at predetermined special events. A survey was released to targeted community members this month. The same survey will be released to the entire community in June.
Staff provided construction project updates for the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park, Club Pickle and Padel, South Boat Storage Restoration at Park Avenue, improvements at Sunset Woods Park, renovations at Old Elm and Port Clinton Playgrounds, and the renovations to the Larry Fink Park Tot Lot.
Staff provided an annual report on Recreation Programming comparing budgeted vs actual programming, league, and camp enrollments and revenues and expenses.
This fall, it’s more than just a game—it’s a chance to build confidence, strength, and leadership through sports. Registration is now open for our Girls Fall Sports programs, including Basketball, Softball, Volleyball, and Flag Football.
Our leagues are designed to empower girls both on and off the field. Through teamwork, skill-building, and positive coaching, players gain more than athletic ability. They gain self-belief, friendships, and a strong sense of community.
Programs between in September/October. Register today!
Explore the trails in a whole new way with our new app! This interactive augmented reality game provides nature-themed challenges on your phone as you walk along the trails. Download the app and Heller’s “Spring into Nature!” Mission, and you’re ready for action! Complete the fun, educational challenges, games, and puzzles to earn rewards and prizes—fun for kids and adults alike!
Join us on Saturday, May 17 from 10am-Noon for a special launch event where you can play the game, explore the trails, and win prizes!
Saturday, May 17 • 10am-Noon
Heller Nature Center
All Ages
Construction is in full swing, and key spaces like the reception desk, lounge, and restrooms are starting to take shape. We can’t wait to welcome you this August!
The Park District of Highland Park’s competitive gymnastics team had an incredible showing at the 2025 AAU State Meet, held May 3 in Romeoville, IL. Our talented athletes competed with passion, poise, and power, bringing home top finishes and showcasing the strength of our program.
Leading the charge was Shay Kessel, who delivered a stellar performance to become the All-Around Champion in the Senior B division. Shay also claimed individual state titles on Vault and Floor, standing proudly atop the podium.
Teammate Naomi Mandel impressed with a 2nd place finish on Beam, and strong placements on Vault (4th), Floor (4th), and All-Around (5th).
Kelsey Woelfle rounded out the Level 3 success with a 2nd place finish on Floor and 7th in the All-Around (Senior A division).
Our Level 4 gymnasts also brought home a slew of Top 10 finishes:
We’re incredibly proud of all our athletes and their hard work leading up to this event. Their dedication, sportsmanship, and team spirit truly stood out on the state stage.
On Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 10am-2pm, the Park District of Highland Park is hosting an Illinois Parks & Recreation Association event called “Park Pursuit.” The event is fun and competitive for park and recreation professionals from around the state.
Approximately 300 participants wearing yellow event t-shirts will run through various neighborhoods and parks in and around central Highland Park, including downtown. Sixty volunteers in tan t-shirts will man check-in locations at designated stops on the course. Participants are encouraged to remain on sidewalks and use safe crosswalks throughout the event. The course is designed to cause little to no disruption to the community.
The Park District of Highland Park is excited to host this extraordinary event, where recreation professionals around the state can enjoy fun competition and team building in one of North Shore’s most incredible communities.
Spring is the time of year you may notice dandelions popping up in our parks. You might wonder why the Park District doesn’t do something about all those yellow flowers. Letting them bloom is one way we keep our parks at their healthiest. Though not a complete source of nutrition for bee pollinators, dandelions also fill in early spring food source gaps.
As part of our best management practices, we aim to avoid spraying lawn chemicals to eliminate what some might deem an unsightly nuisance. Instead, the yellow blooms can open to their glory across our parks. Once the grass is long enough, crews will mow the dandelions giving our parks a more uniform “green grass” appearance.
The Park District of Highland Park was one of the first Park Districts in Illinois to adopt an Environmental Policy which includes maintaining our parks, facilities and natural areas in a manner that enhances and protects the environment by minimizing the adverse impact on air and water quality. This includes “Integrated Pest Management” practices that minimize chemical use in favor of other management efforts such as careful mowing, aeration and–in the case of dandelions–working with nature to provide healthy places to play.
Turn off your screen and turn on LIFE! Screen Break Week is celebrated every year in the first week of May. This week, celebrated all over the world, is an invitation for everyone — children, adults, and entire communities — to switch off completely from staring at screens and take a well-deserved break. We are offering a variety of events this week.
All events are free but registration is required.
Celebrate May the Fourth with a Star Wars-themed family bike event! Bring and decorate your bikes, strollers, scooters, wheelchairs-some supplies will be provided, but participants are also encouraged to bring their own. While you are decorating, visit with the Highland Park Police Department and local bike shops for safety and tune up tips. Prizes will be awarded for the most out of this world decoration! After decorating, take part in a fun, family-friendly ride along our designated route. Perfect for kids ages 3+ and their families!
Ages 3+ with an adult
Location: Wayne Thomas Elementary School (2939 Summit Drive)
Mini golf at Highland Park’s Rivers Edge for ages 5+ (must be accompanied by an adult): Bring your enthusiasm and join us for a memorable day of laughter, camaraderie, and a “hole” lot of fun!
Location: River’s Edge Mini Golf (2205 Skokie Valley Road)
Perfect for parents, grandparents, and caregivers, this community event invites you to take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Preserve of Highland Park with your little ones in strollers.
All Ages
Location: The Preserve of Highland Park (1207 Park Ave West)
Hike with a Naturalist at Heller Nature Center for all ages. Find the beauty in spring with a guided hike from a Heller Naturalist. Discover spring ephemerals, bird calls, and more as the forest re-awakens during spring.
Location: Heller Nature Center (2821 Ridge Road)
Chalk-a-Palooza at West Ridge Park for all ages: Unleash your colorful creativity on a sidewalk canvas!
All Ages (ages 2-8 must be accompanied by an adult)
Location: West Ridge Center (636 Ridge Road)
Open Swim at the Recreation Center for all ages: Put on your swimsuits, and dive into some Aquatic fun!
All Ages (ages 2-12 with an adult)
Location: Recreation Center of Highland Park (1207 Park Avenue West)
Shoot some hoops at the Recreation Center of Highland Park!
All Ages: (Ages 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult)
Location: Recreation Center of Highland Park (1207 Park Avenue West)
Before heading out to your favorite Park District of Highland Park facility on Easter Sunday, check out our hours!
| Facility | Sunday, April 20 |
|---|---|
| Centennial Ice Arena | Closed |
| Deer Creek Racquet Club | Closed |
| Heller Nature Center | Building Closed, Trails Open 7:30am to Dusk |
| Highland Park Golf Learning Center | 9am-6pm |
| Recreation Center of Highland Park (Fitness) | 7am-Noon |
| Recreation Center of Highland Park (Indoor Pool) | Lap Swim 7-11:30am: Swim Lessons are rescheduled for Sat, May 24 and Sun, May 25 |
| River's Edge Mini Golf | 9am-6pm |
| Sunset Valley Golf Club | 6am-6pm |
| West Ridge Center | Closed |
